Folding bicycle and method of use

ABSTRACT

A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided. The folding bicycle comprises a frame having a first end and a second end; a first wheel connected to the second end of the frame, the first wheel and the frame being located in a first plane; a fork having a first end and a second end, the second end of the fork pivotally connected to the first end of the frame thereby allowing the fork to pivot about the first plane; a second wheel connected to the first end of the fork, the second wheel and the fork being located in a second plane; a first pivot member having a first pivot axis to allow the first end of the fork to pivot towards the second end of the fork about the first pivot axis; a second pivot member having a second pivot axis to allow the first end of the frame to pivot towards the second end of the frame about the second pivot axis; and a third pivot member having a third pivot axis to allow the second end of the frame to pivot towards the first end of the frame about the third pivot axis.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 17/202,510, filed Mar. 16, 2021, which is acontinuation of Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/907,255, filedFeb. 27, 2018, which is a continuation of Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 14/942,398, filed Nov. 16, 2015, which is a continuation ofNon-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/444,249, filed Jul. 28, 2014,which is a continuation of Non-Provisional application Ser. No.13/622,890, filed Sep. 19, 2012, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,840on Jul. 29, 2014, the entire contents of the entire chain ofapplications is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of bicycles, and, moreparticularly, to a novel and improved folding bicycle and method of use.Notably, the application of this invention extends to, but is notlimited to, electric bicycles, gas bicycles and manual bicycles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Often times the distance one must travel is seemingly too short or tooinconvenient to ride a bus or subway or to drive a car, but too long towalk. These circumstances present opportune times to ride a bicycle.Moreover, people living in large, mid-sized, or even small metropolitanareas often find it more convenient to travel around the city bybicycle, which provides an efficient mode of transportation in suchcrowded areas. Accordingly, in today's crowded urbanized areas, it isdesirable to use a bicycle for traveling short to medium distances. Abicycle provides personal transportation, can carry small loads, is easyand convenient to maneuver and park in crowded places, and is low incost to purchase and maintain. Automobiles consume large amounts offossil fuels, create pollution, are a safety hazard, and are costly tomaintain and park. Motorcycles have all of the problems of automobiles(though perhaps to a lesser degree) but present a greater safety hazardwhen operating at high speeds. It is also beneficial to use a bicycle asa means of transportation in crowded cities as it alleviates, amongother things, the need to locate parking for a car, pay for parking acar, and abide by the schedule and inconvenience of publictransportation.

Although riding a bicycle for transportation can alleviate the abovedrawbacks, bicycles typically are bulky and inconvenient for portabilityand storage. This inconvenience of portability and storage often resultsin bicycles being left outside, leaving them susceptible to theft. Tomake even greater use of bicycles beyond just point-to-point transport,it would be desirable to have a bicycle that could be quickly folded sothat it can be transported inside the trunk of a car or as baggage on atrain or airplane; so that it could be used locally at a remotedestination. Foldable bicycles have an advantage of a relatively compactarrangement for storage and/or transport, making them popular with userswishing to reduce storage space, such as commuters, recreationenthusiasts, and campers, among others. However, known folding bicycleshave myriad shortcomings. For example, in general, the large size of thefolding bicycles of the prior art prohibit the storage of these foldingbicycles within a closet, or a small area and make it difficult toeasily and conveniently fit them into a suitcase or carrying-bag fortransporting. Moreover, many of the known folding bicycles do notprovide all of the qualities of being low in cost, easy and simple tofold into a small volume such as a suitcase, and sturdy and reliable touse. Many other folding bicycles necessitate the removal of one or bothwheels, which is an inconvenient and complex procedure. Some foldingbicycles that have sturdy folding frame parts are very expensive and/orutilize heavy metal parts that increase the overall weight. Others thatare less costly have folding parts that are not as sturdy, do not foldeasily or well, or are excessively heavy.

In some conventional or manual folding bicycles, folding joints aresituated in the central area of the frame, such as within one or more ofthe down tube, top tube, seat tube and head tube, or bearing tube. Adisadvantage of such an arrangement is that the bicycle's ability tofold into a compact volume is dramatically reduced. A furtherdisadvantage is that known folding bicycles have frames that frequentlyare smaller than the frames of a comparable standard non-foldingbicycle. This reduces the ergonomic suitability for a rider. A result ofthis for many riders is a decrease in the distance that can be riddenwith comfort.

Current folding bicycles typically have pedals, thus requiring the userto exert a substantial amount of energy to ride. Exerting the amount ofenergy necessary to ride a bicycle often results in the user sweatingupon arrival at his or her destination. Because riding a bicycle causesthe rider to sweat, the user often must dress down and change intoappropriate clothing upon arriving at his or her destination. This isyet another drawback of current folding bicycles.

Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular throughout theworld. However, it is laborious for a bicycle rider to carry a foldedelectric bicycle because electric bicycles are generally heavier thantypical bicycles due to the additional weight of the electric motor,battery pack, and associated components. Moreover, due to the bulkydesign, electric motor, battery pack, and associated components, it isdifficult to fold current electric bicycles to a compact and portablesize. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

There is therefore a need for a folding bicycle and method of use thatovercomes some or all of the previously delineated drawbacks of priorfolding bicycles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a folding bicycle and method of use thatis preferably ergonomically comfortable when riding, preferably can bereadily folded into a compact arrangement, preferably can be batterypowered, gas powered, manually powered, preferably can be providedwithout the traditional drive chain mechanism and pedals of manuallypowered bicycles, preferably can be easily transported and stored,and/or preferably can maintain its structural rigidity and integritydespite repeated folding and unfolding.

The present invention includes a folding bicycle and method of use. Thefolding bicycle is preferably used as a means for transportation.Moreover, the folding bicycle is preferably battery powered, however, itshould be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented withelectrical or battery powered bicycles, gas powered bicycles, andstandard, manually powered bicycles, without limiting the scope of thepresent invention. While the present invention will be described belowwith respect to a battery powered folding bicycle, it should beappreciated that any type of bicycle, including but not limited to thetypes of bicycles just indicated, may be incorporated with the presentinvention, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

In a first non-limiting aspect of the invention, a folding bicycle isprovided. The folding bicycle preferably comprises: (i) a frame having afirst end and an opposing second end; (ii) a rear wheel rotatablyconnected to the second end of the frame, the rear wheel and frame beinglocated in a first plane; (iii) a fork having a first end and anopposing second end, the second end of the fork pivotally connected tothe first end of the frame, wherein the fork is adapted to pivot aboutthe first plane, thereby allowing a rider to steer the bicycle; (iv) afront wheel rotatably connected to the first end of the fork, the frontwheel and fork being located in a second plane; (v) a first primarypivot member or hinge having a first pivot axis to allow the first endof the fork to pivot towards the second end of the fork; (vi) a secondprimary pivot member or hinge having a second pivot axis to allow thefirst end of the frame to pivot towards the second end of the frame; and(vii) a third primary pivot member or hinge having a third pivot axis toallow the second end of the frame to pivot towards the first end of theframe.

It is also contemplated that the folding bicycle of the inventionpreferably comprises: (i) a steering unit having a coupling member or anelbow-shaped member comprising a first end rotatably coupled to asteering member or handlebar, via a first secondary pivot member orswivel mount, and an opposing second end pivotally coupled to the secondend of the fork, via a second secondary pivot member or axle; (ii) afootrest unit having an elongated member comprising a first endpreferably pivotally coupled to the underside of the frame, via a thirdsecondary pivot member or hinge, and an opposing second end, whereby aflange extends generally perpendicularly from the second end of theelongated member; and (iii) a seat unit or saddle having an upper seatportion pivotally connected to a lower seat portion, via a fourthsecondary pivot member or hinge.

As previously stated, it is contemplated that the folding bicycle bebattery powered. As such, the folding bicycle of the invention and itsmethod of use may be utilized for transportation while limiting themanual effort required to be expended by the rider or user of thefolding bicycle. The folding bicycle of the invention is also preferablydesigned to fold or collapse into a compact arrangement, therebyallowing a user to easily transport and store the bicycle. This ispreferably done by providing the three primary pivot members or hingesdescribed above, the secondary pivot members or hinges described above,and a battery to power the bicycle, and by eliminating from the bicycledesign the traditional chain drive mechanism and pedals employed by mostmanually powered bicycles. For example, the implementation of the threeprimary folds, the three secondary folds, and a battery, and theelimination of the traditional chain drive mechanism and pedals from thebicycle design allow a rider and/or owner of the bicycle to fold thebicycle into an extremely compact arrangement for easy transport andstorage.

It is contemplated that the folding bicycle provides a means forconveniently and practically commuting and for conveniently and safelystowing and transporting the bicycle. The implementation of abattery-powered bicycle allows the rider to ride the bicycle whileavoiding breaking a sweat. Thus, it is further contemplated that thefolding bicycle of the present invention may used as transportation,where the rider is able to wear the desired attire for the destinationrather than require the rider to first wear appropriate attire forriding the bicycle and then change into appropriate attire upon arrivalat his or her destination. It is further contemplated that the foldingbicycle of the present invention may be folded or collapsed into a smallenough size fit for safe and convenient storage and/or transportationinside appropriate areas, such as, but not limited to hallways,corridors, passageways, alleys, stairwells, foyers, elevators, closets,storage rooms, offices, and the like, within office buildings,residential apartments, homes, restaurants, shopping centers, etc.Allowing the user of the bicycle to store the folded bicycle insideprevents the bicycle from being left outside with the possibility of itbeing stolen and allows it to be easily recharged once brought inside.It is further contemplated that the folding bicycle may be folded into acompact or appropriate size fit for being stored and/or transported in asmall bag.

In a second non-limiting aspect of the invention, a folding bicycle isprovided. The folding bicycle comprises a front frame section and a rearframe section. The front frame section has a first member including afirst wheel, a second member, and a first pivot member pivotallyconnecting the first member and the second member along a first axis,the first pivot member having a first pivot axis substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis to allow the first member to pivottowards the second member until the first member is substantiallyparallel to the second member. The rear frame section has a third memberconnected to the front frame section, a fourth member, a fifth memberincluding a second wheel, and a second pivot member pivotally connectingthe third member and the fourth member along a second axis, the secondpivot member having a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular tothe second axis to allow the third member to pivot towards fourth memberuntil the third member is substantially parallel to the fourth member.The rear frame section also has a third pivot member pivotallyconnecting the fourth member and the fifth member along the second axis,the third pivot member having a third pivot axis substantiallyperpendicular to the second axis to allow the fifth member to pivottowards fourth member until the fifth member is substantially parallelto the fourth member.

In a third non-limiting aspect of the invention, a method for folding abicycle is provided. The method preferably comprises the steps offolding a first end of a fork of the bicycle connected to a first wheelabout a first pivot axis towards a second end of the fork until thefirst end is substantially parallel to the second end; folding a firstend of a frame of the bicycle pivotally connected to the fork about asecond pivot axis towards a second end of the frame until the first endof the frame is substantially parallel to the frame; and folding thesecond end of the frame connected to a second wheel about a third pivotaxis towards the first end of the frame until the second wheel issubstantially parallel to the first wheel.

The method preferably further comprises pivoting a steering memberconnected to the second end of the fork about a fourth pivot axis awayfrom the fork; rotating the steering member about a fifth pivot axisuntil the steering member is substantially parallel to the fork; andfolding the steering member about the fourth pivot axis at leastpartially within a cavity of the fork. The method further comprisesfolding a footrest unit about a sixth pivot axis towards the frame andfolding an upper seat portion of a seat unit about a seventh pivot axistowards a lower seat portion of the seat unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference toa preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of theaccompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merelyexemplary of systems and methods for carrying out the invention, boththe organization and method of operation of the invention, in general,together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be moreeasily understood by reference to the drawings and the followingdescription. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of thisinvention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims asappended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplifythe invention.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is nowmade to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a left side view of a folding bicycle in a ridingconfiguration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the steering unit of thefolding bicycle of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of the steering unit of thefolding bicycle of FIG. 1A in the riding configuration according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Awith the steering unit removed to depict the fork locking mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the steeringunit of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 1F illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Adepicting a steering unit, a footrest unit, and a seat unit of thefolding bicycle of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1A ina collapsed and/or storage configuration according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1A in acollapsed and/or storage configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 4A-B is a flow diagram illustrating the method of folding thebicycle of FIGS. 1A-3 from the riding configuration of FIG. 1A to thecollapsed and/or storage configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3 andcorresponding images according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Awith the steering unit in a first folded position according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Awith the steering unit in a second folded position according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Awith the steering unit in a third folded position according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1A ina first folded position according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Adepicting a first primary fold of the folding bicycle in mid-foldposition according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1A ina second folded position according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Adepicting a second primary fold of the folding bicycle in mid-foldposition according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Ain a third folded position according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a left side view of the folding bicycle of FIG. 1Adepicting a third primary fold of the folding bicycle in mid-foldposition according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention.However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance withthe invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, someof which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment.Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed toafford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide abasis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the invention. Itmust be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring now to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of foldingbicycle 100 in a riding configuration 101. As shown in FIG. 1A, foldingbicycle 100 comprises a frame 102 and a rear wheel 108 rotatablyconnected to frame 102. As further shown in FIG. 1A, frame 102 mayextend only longitudinally along a first axis. Rear wheel 108 and frame102 are located in a first plane 103. Folding bicycle 100 also comprisesa fork 104, whereby fork 104 is pivotally connected to frame 102, via asteering column or headset 141 (best shown in FIG. 1C), and a frontwheel 106 rotatably connected to fork 104. Front wheel 106 and fork 104are located in a second plane 109. As further shown in FIG. 1A, rearwheel 108 may be connected to frame 102 at a first height, and fork 104may be connected to frame 102 at a second height which is higher thanthe first height. Also, the angle between frame 102 and fork 104 may beapproximately 90 degrees.

Folding bicycle 100 also comprises first, second, and third primarypivot members 110, 116 and 122. First primary pivot member or hinge 110preferably has a pivot axis 111 substantially parallel to plane 109.First primary pivot member 110 pivotally connects a first end 112 offork 104 to a second end 114 of fork 104 along an axis 107 of fork 104.Pivot axis 111 is substantially perpendicular to axis 107 of fork 104.Second primary pivot member or hinge 116 has a pivot axis 117substantially perpendicular to plane 103. Second primary pivot member116 pivotally connects a first end 118 of frame 102 to a middle portion120 of frame 102 along an axis 105 of frame 102. Pivot axis 117 issubstantially perpendicular to axis 105 of frame 102. Third primarypivot member or hinge 122 has a pivot axis 123 substantially parallel toplane 103. Third primary pivot member 122 pivotally connects a secondend 124 of frame 102 to middle portion 120 of frame 102 along axis 105of frame 102. Pivot axis 123 is substantially perpendicular to axis 105of frame 102.

Furthermore, folding bicycle 100 comprises a steering unit 125 having acoupling member or elbow-shaped member 126 (best shown in FIG. 1B) and asteering member or handlebar 128. Handlebar 128 is pivotally connectedto fork 104 by coupling member 126. Folding bicycle 100 also comprises afootrest unit 135 pivotally connected to frame 102 by a secondary pivotmember or hinge 142. Finally, folding bicycle 100 comprises a seat unitor saddle 145 connected to frame 102 to allow a rider to sit on foldingbicycle 100. Saddle 145 comprises a secondary pivot member or hinge 150to allow saddle 145 to fold.

As shown in detail in FIG. 1B, folding bicycle 100 comprises a steeringunit 125 having a coupling member or elbow-shaped member 126 pivotallycoupled to fork 104, and a steering member or handlebar 128 rotatablycoupled to coupling member 126. Steering unit 125 further comprises aplate 155 molded or welded to a first end 156 of coupling member 126, asecondary pivot member or swivel mount 550 (best shown in FIG. 1E)rotatably connecting steering member or handlebar 128 to plate 155, asecondary pivot member or axle 130 pivotally connecting a second end 132of coupling member 126 to second end 114 of fork 104, and a lockingmechanism 160 coupled to second end 132 of coupling member 126.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1B, secondary pivot member or axle 130comprises a hollow cylindrical member 171 that extends between internalsurfaces 131 and 133 of fork 104 and a nut 137 coupled to a bolt 143.Hollow cylindrical member 171 comprises a bore (not shown) adapted toreceive bolt 143. The bore (not shown) extends internally through theentire length of hollow cylindrical member 171. Bolt 143 resides withinthe bore (not shown). Hollow cylindrical member 171 is preferably moldedor welded to external surface 181 of coupling member 126 near second end132 of coupling member 126. Bolt 143 comprises a head portion 560 (bestshow in FIG. 5B) at a first end and a threaded portion 173 at an opposedsecond end. Nut 137 preferably comprises threads (not shown) adapted togrip threaded portion 173 of bolt 143. Nut 137 and bolt 143 may be anytype of nut and bolt combination commonly known and used in the art,without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Axle 130 is created by sliding bolt 143 through an aperture 570 (bestshown in FIG. 1D) provided on sidewall 190 of fork 104 and throughhollow cylindrical member 171 until head portion 560 (FIG. 5B) of bolt143 abuts external surface 191 of fork 104 and threaded portion 173 ofbolt 143 protrudes through an aperture 572 (best shown in FIG. 1D)provided on sidewall 192 of fork 104. Nut 137 is then coupled tothreaded portion 173 of bolt 143 to secure bolt 143 in place. Axle 130has a pivot axis 504. Pivot axis 504 is perpendicular to axis 107 andplane 109 of fork 104. Axle 130 serves to pivotally connect couplingmember 126 to fork 104 and thereby allows coupling member 126, andtherefore handlebar 128, to pivot about pivot axis 504 when lockingmechanism 160 is in the unlocked position.

Turning now to FIG. 1C, steering unit 125 is depicted in a lockedposition 170 suitable for riding configuration 101. In this position,coupling member 126, and therefore handlebar 128, are prevented fromrotating about pivot axis 504. Locking mechanism 160 comprises twodonut-shaped members 174 and 176 and a locking pin 172. Donut-shapedmembers 174 and 176 are cylindrical in shape and each contains a bore194 and 196, respectively, extending from end to end. Furthermore,donut-shaped members 174 and 176 are preferably molded or welded toexternal surface 181 of coupling member 126, near second end 132 ofcoupling member 126, and are adapted to fit within the sidewalls of fork104. Locking pin 172 comprises a cylindrical head portion 177 and acylindrical rod portion 179 extending laterally from head portion 177.Cylindrical rod portion 179 generally has a length longer than the widthof fork 104 so that it may extend entirely through fork 104 in order tolock steering unit 125 in place. Additionally, the diameter ofcylindrical head portion 177 is generally larger than the diameter ofcylindrical rod portion 179 to prevent cylindrical head portion 177 fromentering aperture 535 (best shown in FIG. 1D) with the result that itmay abut external surface 193 of fork 104 when it is in place.Cylindrical head portion 177 comprises an aperture 178 adapted toreceive a retaining wire 180. Retaining wire 180 is provided to retainlocking pin 172 to folding bicycle 100 by securely coupling retainingwire 180 to fork 104. Locking pin 172 is coupled to folding bicycle 100by first sliding a first end of retaining wire 180 through aperture 178of cylindrical head portion 177 and subsequently coupling the first endof retaining wire 180 to another portion of retaining wire 180, thensliding a second end of retaining wire 180 through an aperture 182provided on fork 104, and finally creating a loop or knot (not shown) onthe second end of retaining wire 180 to prevent that end from slidingback through aperture 182 of fork 104.

To place steering unit 125 in locked position 170, first, handlebar 128must be rotated about pivot axis 504 until bore 194 of donut-shapedmember 174 is aligned with an aperture 536 (best shown in FIG. 1D)provided on sidewall 190 of fork 104 and bore 196 of donut-shaped member176 is aligned with an aperture 535 (best shown in FIG. 1D) provided onsidewall 192 of fork 104; then, cylindrical rod portion 179 of lockingpin 172 is slid through aperture 535 (FIG. 1D) provided on sidewall 192,through bore 196 of donut-shaped member 176, through bore 194 ofdonut-shaped member 174 and finally through aperture 536 (FIG. 1D)provided on sidewall 190 of fork 104 until cylindrical rod portion 179protrudes through aperture 536 (FIG. 1D). Furthermore, locking pin 172is preferably slid from sidewall 192 of fork 104 to sidewall 190 of fork104 until the bottom surface of cylindrical head portion 177 of lockingpin 172 abuts external surface 193 of fork 104, as shown in FIG. 1C.Once locking pin 172 is in place, as just described, handlebar 128 isprevented from rotating about pivot axis 504 and steering unit 125 is inlocked position 170. It should be appreciated that, when in the positionshown in FIG. 1C, locking pin 172 serves to keep handlebar 128 stableand at the appropriate level to allow a rider or user of folding bicycle100 to easily and comfortably ride folding bicycle 100.

FIGS. 1C and 1D also depict a fork locking mechanism 515. Morespecifically, FIG. 1D illustrates a perspective view of the foldingbicycle of FIG. 1A with steering unit 125 removed so as to enable forklocking mechanism 515 to be seen more readily. As shown in FIGS. 1C and1D, folding bicycle 100 preferably comprises a fork locking mechanism515 adapted to lock fork 104 to steering column 141, thereby preventingfork 104 from being able to pivot about steering column 141 when in thelocked position. By preventing fork 104 from pivoting about steeringcolumn 141, folding bicycle 100 becomes more stable, thus making iteasier to control and subsequently fold folding bicycle 100. Forklocking mechanism 515 comprises a donut-shaped member 520 connected tosteering column 141. Donut-shaped member 520 is preferably molded orwelded to steering column 141; however, it should be understood andappreciated that donut-shaped member 520 may be connected to steeringcolumn 141 by any known means or method without departing from thespirit of the invention. Moreover, donut-shaped member 520 comprises abore 518 that extends completely through the body of donut-shaped member520, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. Fork locking mechanism 515 alsocomprises two plates 524 and 526 both of which extend between internalsurfaces 131 and 133 of fork 104 near the top of fork 104. Specifically,plates 524 and 526 are located near the top of second end 114 of fork104, in close proximity to where fork 104 pivotally couples to steeringcolumn 141 of frame 102. As shown in FIG. 1D, plate 524 comprises anaperture 522 that extends completely through plate 524, and plate 526comprises an aperture 528 that extends completely through plate 526.Fork locking mechanism 515 is placed into the locked position bypreferably sliding locking pin 172 through bore 518 of donut-shapedmember 520, into aperture 522 of plate 524, and into aperture 528 ofplate 526, as shown in FIG. 1D. Once locking pin 172 is in place, asjust described, fork 104 is prevented from rotating about steeringcolumn 141 of frame 102.

In operation, when a rider or user of folding bicycle 100 desires tofold folding bicycle 100, it is preferred that the user first unlocklocking mechanism 160 and then lock fork locking mechanism 515. Startingfrom the riding configuration, locking mechanism 160 is unlocked byremoving locking pin 172 from fork 104, thereby releasing secondarypivot member 130 from its locked position and subsequently allowinghandlebar 128 to pivot about pivot axis 504. After locking mechanism 160is unlocked, as just described, fork locking mechanism 515 is lockedusing locking pin 172, in the manner described above, to prevent fork104 from rotating about steering column 141, thereby allowing a user tomore easily fold folding bicycle 100.

FIG. 1E depicts the underside of steering unit 125 of folding bicycle100 of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown,steering unit 125 preferably comprises a secondary pivot member orswivel mount 550 adapted to pivotally or rotatably connect steeringmember or handlebar 128 to coupling member 126. Secondary pivot member550 preferably comprises a swivel member 551 that allows steering member128 to rotate or swivel about coupling member 126. Swivel member 551 ismolded or welded to the underside 552 of steering member 128. Morespecifically, one of the exterior surfaces of swivel member 551 ispreferably molded or welded to underside 552 of steering member 128, asshown in FIG. 1E. Swivel member 551 is also preferably rotatably coupledto an exterior surface 554 of plate 155, thereby allowing steeringmember 128 to rotate or swivel relative to coupling member 126. Itshould be understood and appreciated that while a particular swivelmount 550 has been depicted and described, any type of swivel member ordevice commonly known or used in the art may be used to couple steeringmember 128 to coupling member 126, so as to allow steering member 128 torotate relative to coupling member 126, without departing from theseparate of the invention.

Moreover, secondary pivot member or swivel mount 550 preferably has apivot axis 532 that is substantially parallel to plane 109 of fork 104and substantially perpendicular to plate 155 of coupling member 126.Secondary pivot member 550 allows steering member 128 to pivot or rotateabout pivot axis 532, after secondary pivot member 550 is released fromits locked position. Secondary pivot member 550 preferably allowssteering member 128 to pivot or rotate in a direction 530 about pivotaxis 532 in order for steering member 128 to align substantiallyparallel with fork 104 and align with cavity 502, as shown in FIGS. 5Band 6 , to form folded configuration 534 (FIG. 5B). It should beunderstood and appreciated that steering member 128 may be any type ofhandlebar or handlebars commonly known or used in the art, which a riderof folding bicycle 100 may use to steer folding bicycle 100, withoutlimiting the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1F, steering unit 125, footrest unit 135, and seatunit 145 of folding bicycle 100 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1F,steering member 128 is adapted to pivot about pivot axis 504 in adirection 618 towards fork 104 and in a direction 506 away from fork104, via secondary pivot member 130.

Footrest unit 135 comprises an elongated member 136 pivotally connectedto frame 102. Footrest unit 135 also comprises a flange or footrestmember 138 (best shown in FIG. 5A) preferably connected to elongatedmember 136 and a secondary pivot member or hinge 142 pivotallyconnecting elongated member 136 to frame 102. Moreover, footrest unit135 is adapted to allow a rider of folding bicycle 100 to rest his orher feet when folding bicycle 100 is in riding configuration 101 and isadapted to be pivoted, via secondary pivot member 142, in directions 606and 608 towards and away from, respectively, frame 102. For example, tofold footrest unit 135 for storage, after secondary pivot member orhinge 142 has been released from its locked position, elongated member136 is pivoted in direction 606 toward frame 102 until elongated member136 abuts the underside 602 of frame 102. A retaining member or clip 607(schematically shown) may be provided on underside 602 of frame 102 toretain footrest unit 135 to frame 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 1F, elongated member 136 extends along an axis600 and has a first end 144 and a second end 140. Secondary pivot memberor hinge 142 is adapted to pivotally connect first end 144 of elongatedmember 136 to frame 102 and footrest member 138 (best shown in FIG. 5A)is preferably connected to second end 140 of elongated member. Moreover,secondary pivot member 142 comprises a pivot axis 604 substantiallyperpendicular to plane 103 and axis 105 and substantially perpendicularto axis 600 of elongated member 136 that allows elongated member 136 topivot about pivot axis 604 after secondary pivot member 142 is releasedfrom its locked position. In particular, secondary pivot member 142 isadapted to allow elongated member 136 to pivot about pivot axis 604 in adirection 606 towards frame 102 and in a direction 608 away from frame102.

Briefly turning to FIG. 5A, footrest unit 135 also preferably comprisesflange 138 comprising two members 152 and 154 extending substantiallyperpendicular from elongated member 136. Members 152 and 154 arepreferably flat and are provided to allow a rider to rest his or herfeet on the top surface 139 of members 152 and 154 while the rider isriding folding bicycle 100. While not shown in the figures, it isfurther contemplated that two pivot members or hinges may be may adaptedto pivotally connect members 152 and 154 to elongated member 136. Eachpivot member preferably comprises a pivot axis substantially parallelwith plane 103 and perpendicular with axis 600 to allow members 152 and154 of flange 138 to fold or pivot about their respective pivot axistowards elongated member 136 until each member 152 and 154 issubstantially parallel to axis 600 and away from elongated member 136until each member 152 and 154 is substantially perpendicular toelongated member 136.

Referring back to FIG. 1F, folding bicycle 100 also comprises a seatunit or saddle 145 connected to frame 102. Seat unit 145 preferablycomprises an upper seat portion or upright, rear portion 146, a lowerseat portion or base 148, and a secondary pivot member or hinge 150pivotally connecting upper seat portion 146 to lower seat portion 148.Seat unit 145 is preferably connected or mounted to frame 102 byconnecting lower seat portion 148 to the topside 616 of frame 102. Lowerseat portion 148 may be connected or mounted to frame 102 via any methodknown in the art for connecting a bicycle saddle to a frame, includingbut not limited to, the use of a nut and bolt, screws, and the like.

Seat unit 145 is preferably adapted to allow a rider of folding bicycle100 to sit when folding bicycle 100 is in riding configuration 101 andadapted to be pivoted, via secondary pivot member 150, in directions 610and 612 towards and away from, respectively, frame 102. For example, tofold seat unit 145 for storage, after secondary pivot member or hinge150 has been released from its locked position, upper seat portion 146is preferably pivoted in direction 610 toward frame 102 until upper seatportion 146 abuts lower seat portion 148. While not shown, it iscontemplated that a retaining member, clip, strap, or the like may beprovided to retain upper seat portion 146 to lower seat portion 148.Moreover, lower seat portion 148 is preferably connected to topside 616of frame 102 by any commonly known means and method.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1F, seat unit 145 preferablycomprises a secondary pivot member or hinge 150 adapted to pivotallyconnect upper seat portion 146 to lower seat portion 148. Moreover,secondary pivot member 150 preferably comprises a pivot axis 614substantially perpendicular to plane 103 and axis 105 to allow upperseat portion 146 to pivot about pivot axis 614 relative to lower seatportion 148 after secondary pivot member 150 is released from its lockedposition. In particular, secondary pivot member 150 is adapted to allowupper seat portion 146 to pivot about pivot axis 614 in a direction 610towards frame 102 and in a direction 612 away from frame 102.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, folding bicycle 100 comprises severalcomponents implemented by traditional, manually powered bicycles. Forexample, folding bicycle 100 comprises steering unit 125, steeringcolumn or headset 141, fork 104, frame 102, and wheels 106 and 108. Itshould be understood and appreciated that one skilled in the art wouldknow how to pivotally mount fork 104 comprising any type of traditionalhandlebar to steering column or headset 141 of frame 102, therebyallowing a rider to steer folding bicycle 100. It should also beunderstood and appreciated that (i) steering column or headset 141 maybe coupled to frame 102 by any method or implementation commonly knownin the art, particularly by being threaded, bolted, or welded to firstend 118 of frame 102; (ii) fork 104 may be coupled to steering column orheadset 141 by any method or implementation commonly known in the art toallow fork 104 to pivot about frame 102; and (iii) steering column orhead set 141 operates in a similar manner as any steering column orheadset commonly known or used in the art, without departing from thespirit of the present invention and without limiting the scope of thepresent invention. Additionally, it should be understood and appreciatedthat steering column or headset 141 may be any steering column orheadset commonly known or used in the art, without departing from thespirit of the present invention. Moreover, any known method andimplementation and any known components for pivotally mounting steeringunit 125 to folding bicycle 100 may be employed, without limiting thescope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understoodthat one skilled in the art would also know how to rotatably mountwheels 106 and 108 to folding bicycle 100. Accordingly, any known methodor implementation of any known components for mounting wheels 106 and108 to folding bicycle 100 may be employed, without limiting the scopeof the present invention.

Moreover, while not shown, it is contemplated that folding bicycle 100is preferably powered by a drive mechanism comprising an electricthrottle (not shown) provided on steering unit 125 and powered by arechargeable battery (not shown) housed under seat unit 145. It isfurther contemplated that the drive mechanism, which is powered by therechargeable battery (not shown), drives rear wheel 108 to propelfolding bicycle 100, via a motor (not shown), preferably housed in arear wheel axle drum (not shown) and connected to rear wheel 108. Itshould be understood that one skilled in the art would know how toimplement any commonly known or used drive mechanism with foldingbicycle 100 in order to propel folding bicycle 100. Accordingly, anyknown method and implementation of any known components for utilizing acommonly known or used drive mechanism to power an electric bicycle maybe employed, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

It should also be understood that while folding bicycle 100 is in theriding configuration 101, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, all pivot membersor hinges implemented by folding bicycle 100 are in a locked position toprevent the hinges from folding and to maintain the rigid structure offolding bicycle 100. Moreover, while not shown in the figures, it iscontemplated that any locking mechanism commonly known or used in theart, such as a hole or interlocking teeth with a mating pin insertedtherethrough, mating snap or clasp members, and the like, may beimplemented to maintain each of the hinges in a locked position whenfolding bicycle 100 is in riding configuration 101, as illustrated inFIG. 1A, without limiting the scope of the invention. It should also beappreciated that any locking mechanism employed to lock the hinges iscapable of being unlocked to allow the hinges to pivot about theirrespective pivot axes.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , folding bicycle 100 is illustrated in fullyfolded, collapsed or storage configuration 200. Specifically, FIGS. 2and 3 provide a side view and a top view, respectively, of foldingbicycle 100 in its completely folded state. When wheel 106 is folded athinge 110, wheel 106 becomes aligned with the left side of fork 104.When the front end 118 of frame 102 is folded at hinge 116, front wheel106 is moved so that it is along the left side of frame 102. When wheel108 is folded at hinge 122 (FIG. 1A), it becomes aligned with the rightside of frame 102. While it has been described that when folding bicycle100 is in collapsed or storage configuration 200, wheel 106 is alignedwith the left side of fork 104 and wheel 108 is aligned with the rightside of frame 102, it should be appreciated that wheels 106 and 108 maybe aligned on either side of folding bicycle 100, without limiting thescope of the invention. Notably, it should be understood that whenfolding bicycle 100 is in configuration 200, wheels 106 and 108 arefolded on opposite sides of folding bicycle 100.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict a flow diagram illustrating a preferred method forfolding bicycle 100 of FIGS. 1A-3 and 5A-12 from riding configuration101 of FIG. 1A to collapsed and/or storage configuration 200 of FIGS.2-3 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method starts atstep 400 where folding bicycle 100 is in riding configuration 101 andwhere fork 104 and plane 109 are aligned in parallel with frame 102 andplane 103. In step 402, locking mechanism 160 is first unlocked, in themanner described above, thereby releasing secondary pivot member 130from its locked position and subsequently allowing handlebar 128 topivot about pivot axis 504. After locking mechanism 160 is unlocked,fork locking mechanism 515 is locked, in the manner described above, toprevent fork 104 from rotating about steering column 141, therebyallowing a user to more easily fold folding bicycle 100. After unlockinglocking mechanism 160 and locking fork locking mechanism 515, steeringmember 128, via secondary pivot member 130, is tilted or pivoted indirection 506 about 90 degrees about pivot axis 504, thereby formingfolded configuration 508. In step 404, steering member 128, via swivelmount 550, is rotated in direction 530 about 90 degrees about pivot axis532 until steering member 128 is substantially parallel to plane 109 offork 104, thereby forming folded configuration 534.

Next, in step 406, steering member 128 is folded in direction 618 towardfork 104, about pivot axis 504 until steering member 128 is at leastpartially disposed within cavity 502, thereby forming foldedconfiguration 702. Moreover, in step 406, secondary pivot member 142 isreleased from its locked position and footrest unit 135 is folded indirection 606 toward frame 102, about pivot axis 604, until footrestunit 135 abuts underside 602 of frame 102, thereby forming foldedconfiguration 704. It is contemplated that footrest unit 135 may beclipped using a retaining member (not shown) or clip (not shown) tounderside 602 of frame 102 to securely retain footrest unit 135 againstframe 102. Finally, in step 406, secondary pivot member 150 is releasedfrom its locked position and upper seat portion 146 is folded indirection 610 toward lower seat portion 148, about pivot axis 614, untilupper seat portion 146 abuts lower seat portion 148, thereby formingfolded configuration 706. It is further contemplated that upper seatportion 146 may be securely retained to lower seat portion 148 using anyknown method or components. Additionally, it should be appreciated thatsecondary pivot members 142 and 150 may be locked using any commonlyknown method or implementation and, particularly, by using a locking pinas described above with respect to locking mechanism 160, withoutlimiting the scope of the present invention.

In step 408 primary pivot member 110 is released from its lockedposition and first end 112 of fork 104 is folded in direction 802towards second end 114 of fork 104 about 180 degrees about pivot axis111 until first end 112 is substantially parallel to second end 114,planes 103 and 109, and axes 105 and 107, thereby forming foldedconfiguration 900. Next, in step 410, primary pivot member 116 isreleased from its locked position and first end 118 of frame 102 isfolded in direction 1004 towards second end 124 of frame 102 about 180degrees about pivot axis 117 until first end 118 is substantiallyparallel to frame 102 and axis 105. Folded configuration 900 remainssubstantially parallel to plane 103, thereby forming foldedconfiguration 1102. In step 412, primary pivot member 122 is releasedfrom its locked position and second end 124 of frame 102 is folded indirection 1202 towards first end 118 of frame 102 about 180 degreesabout pivot axis 123 until second end 124 and consequently wheel 108 aresubstantially parallel to frame 102, planes 103 and 109, axes 105 and107, wheel 106, and folded configuration 1102, thereby forming foldedconfiguration or collapsed configuration 200. It is contemplated thatany known method or components may be implemented to securely retainfolding bicycle 100 in collapsed configuration 200, without limiting thescope of the invention. The method ends at step 414.

Further details of folding bicycle 100 are set forth in FIGS. 5A-12 .Turning now to FIGS. 5A-7 , steering unit 125 of folding bicycle 100 isillustrated. Steering unit 125 preferably comprises at least two pivotmembers to allow it to be folded into a cavity 502 formed in fork 104.Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-6 , steering unit 125preferably comprises coupling member 126 having a first end 156 and asecond end 132, a plate 155 molded or welded to first end 156, asecondary pivot member or swivel mount 550 (FIG. 1E) adapted topreferably pivotally mount steering member 128 to plate 155, and asecondary pivot member or axle 130 adapted to preferably pivotallyconnect second end 132 of coupling member 126 to second end 114 of fork104. Turning briefly to FIG. 1E, secondary pivot member or swivel mount550 preferably comprises a pivot axis 532 substantially parallel toplane 109 and substantially perpendicular to plate 155 to allow steeringmember 128 to rotate about pivot axis 532 and relative to couplingmember 126. Referring back to FIG. 5A, secondary pivot member 130preferably comprises a pivot axis 504 substantially perpendicular toplane 109 and substantially perpendicular to axis 107 to allow steeringmember 128 to pivot about pivot axis 504 and relative to fork 104, aftersecondary pivot member 130 is released from its locked position. Inparticular, secondary pivot member 130 is preferably adapted to allowsteering member 128, via coupling member 126, to pivot about pivot axis504 in a direction 506 away from fork 104 and in a direction 618 (FIG.1F) towards fork 104. To fold steering unit 125 into configuration 702after secondary pivot member 130 has been released from its lockedposition, steering member 128 is preferably (i) pivoted in a direction506 away from fork 104 to form folded configuration 508; (ii) pivoted orrotated in a direction 530 until steering member 128 is substantiallyparallel to fork 104 to form folded configuration 534; and (iii) pivotedin a direction 618 towards fork 104 until steering member 128 is atleast partially disposed within a cavity 502 provided in fork 104.

Referring back to 1F, to fold footrest unit 135 into foldedconfiguration 704 (FIG. 7 ), secondary pivot member 142 is firstunlocked and elongated member 136 is then pivoted in direction 606 untilelongated member 136 abuts underside 602 of frame 102. Moreover, to foldseat unit 145 into folded configuration 706 (FIG. 7 ), secondary pivotmember 150 is first unlocked and upper seat portion 146 is then pivotedin direction 610 until upper seat portion 146 abuts lower seat portion148. It is also contemplated that when seat unit 145 is in the foldedposition as depicted in FIG. 7 , it may be used as a handle or gripmember, thereby allowing a user to conveniently carry folding bicycle100.

Further details of the various folding operations described above aredepicted in FIGS. 7-12 . Referring to FIG. 7 , each of the secondaryfolding components, i.e., steering unit 125, footrest unit 135, and seatunit 145 are in the folded configurations 702, 704, and 706,respectively, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5A-6 . Asillustrated, steering member 128 is rotated and folded in a direction618 into cavity 502 of fork 104, elongated member 136 is folded in adirection 606 to frame 102, and upper seat portion 146 is folded in adirection 610 to lower seat portion 148. When folded into the storage orfolded configurations 702, 704, and 706, steering member 128 ispreferably aligned substantially parallel with fork 104, plane 109, andaxis 107 and is disposed in cavity 502, elongated member 136 preferablyabuts underside 602 of frame 102, where it may be held in place by aretaining member (not shown), and upper seat portion 146 preferablyrests on top of lower seat portion 148, where it may be held in place bya retaining member (not shown).

Turning now to FIGS. 8-9 , the folding of fork 104 of folding bicycle100 is illustrated. To complete this fold, first end 112 of fork 104 ispivoted towards second end 114 of fork 104 until first end 112 issubstantially parallel to second end 114. Primary pivot member or hinge110 having pivot axis 111 (FIG. 1A) pivotally connects first end 112 offork 104 to second end 114 of fork 104. Generally, after primary pivotmember or hinge 110 has been released from its locked position, firstend 112 of fork 104 pivots about pivot axis 111 in a direction 802toward second end 114 of fork 104 until first end 112 is substantiallyparallel to second end 114 plane 109, and axis 107.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9 , primary pivot member orhinge 110 is preferably provided about halfway down the length of fork104 on the left side and is adapted to pivotally connect first end 112of fork 104 to second end 114 of fork 104. Also provided is a lockingmechanism (not shown) to releasably lock primary pivot member 110 in arigid position. Locking mechanism may be unlocked to allow pivot member110 to pivot about pivot axis 111. It should be understood that anycommonly known or used locking mechanism may be incorporated, withoutlimiting the scope of the invention. When folding bicycle 100 is inriding configuration 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1A, first end 112 andsecond end 114 of fork 104 extend along plane 109 and axis 107.Moreover, primary pivot member 110 comprises pivot axis 111substantially parallel to plane 109 of fork 104 and substantiallyperpendicular to axis 107 of fork 104 to allow first end 112 of fork 104to pivot in direction 802 towards second end 114, and about pivot axis111, after primary pivot member 110 is released from its lockedposition. Primary pivot member 110 allows first end 112 to pivot indirections 802 and 804, towards and away from, respectively, second end114, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , folding bicycle 100 is illustrated in yet anotherfolded configuration 900. Specifically, folding bicycle 100 is in foldedconfiguration 900, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 8 . Asillustrated in FIG. 9 , first end 112 of fork 104 is folded in adirection 802 to second end 114 of fork 104. When folding bicycle 100 isfolded into folded configuration 900, first end 112 of fork 104 ispreferably aligned substantially parallel with second end portion 114 offork 104, plane 109, and axis 107, where it may be held in place by aretaining member (not shown). In particular, primary pivot member 110allows first end 112 of fork 104 to pivot towards second end 114 of fork102 about 180 degrees about pivot axis 111 until first end 112 of fork104 and consequently wheel 106 is substantially parallel to second end114 of fork 104, plane 109, axis 107, and folded steering member 128,thereby forming folded configuration 900.

FIGS. 10-11 depict the folding of the front end 118 of frame 102 onitself. To do this, first end 118 of frame 102 is pivoted towards frame102. Primary pivot member or hinge 116 having pivot axis 117 is providedto make this fold. Generally, after primary pivot member or hinge 116has been released from its locked position, first end 118 of frame 102is pivoted about pivot axis 117 in a direction 1004 toward middleportion 120 of frame 102 until first end 118 of frame 102 issubstantially parallel to frame 102, plane 103, and axis 105.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 , primary pivot member orhinge 116 is provided about an eighth to about a quarter of the way downthe length of frame 102 on the top side and is adapted to pivotallyconnect first end 118 of frame 102 to middle portion 120 of frame 102.Also provided is a locking mechanism (not shown) to releasably lockprimary pivot member 116 in a rigid position. Locking mechanism isunlocked to allow pivot member 116 to pivot about pivot axis 117. Itshould be understood that any commonly known or used locking mechanismmay be incorporated, without limiting the scope of the invention. Whenfolding bicycle 100 is in riding configuration 101 as illustrated inFIG. 1A, first end 118 and middle portion 120 of frame 102 extend alongplane 103 and axis 105. Moreover, primary pivot member 116 comprisespivot axis 117 substantially perpendicular to plane 103 and axis 105 offrame 102 to allow first end 118 of frame 102 to pivot in direction 1004towards middle portion 120 or second end 124 of frame 102, and aboutpivot axis 117, after primary pivot member 116 is released from itslocked position. Primary pivot member 116 allows first end 118 to pivotin directions 1004 and 1006, towards and away from, respectively, middleportion 120 and second end 124 of frame 102, as illustrated in FIGS.10-11 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , folding bicycle 100 is illustrated at thecompletion of the folding of first end 118 of frame 102. First end 118of frame 102 is folded in a direction 1004 to middle portion 120 andsecond end 124 of frame 102 causing the folded configuration 900 of FIG.9 to pivot in direction 1004 towards second end 124 of frame 102 about180 degrees about pivot axis 117. When the first end 118 of frame 102 isfolded, as just described, folded configuration 1102 is formed.Specifically, first end 118 of frame 102 is aligned substantiallyparallel to middle portion 120, second end 124, and axis 105 of frame102, while remaining substantially parallel to plane 103, where it maybe held in place by a retaining member (not shown). In particular,primary pivot member 116 allows first end 118 of frame 102 andconsequently wheel 106 to pivot towards middle portion 120 and secondend 124 of frame 102 about 180 degrees about pivot axis 117 until firstend 118 of frame 102 is substantially parallel to middle portion 120 offrame 102, second end 124 of frame 102, plane 103, and axis 105, andwhile wheel 106 remains substantially parallel to plane 103 and foldedsteering member 128, thereby forming folded configuration 1102.

FIG. 12 depicts the folding of the rear wheel 108 against frame 102. Tomake this fold, second end 124 of frame 102 is pivoted towards frame102. Primary pivot member or hinge 122 having pivot axis 123 is providedto complete this fold. Generally, after primary pivot member or hinge122 has been released from its locked position, second end 124 of frame102 pivots about pivot axis 123 in a direction 1202 toward middleportion 120 of frame 102 until second end 124 of frame 102 issubstantially parallel to frame 102, plane 103, and axis 105.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12 , primary pivot member or hinge122 is provided about two thirds of the way down the length of frame 102on the right side and is adapted to pivotally connect second end 124 offrame 102 to middle portion 120 of frame 102. Also provided is a lockingmechanism (not shown) to releasably lock primary pivot member 122 in arigid position. Locking mechanism may be unlocked to allow pivot member122 to pivot about pivot axis 123. It should be understood that anycommonly known or used locking mechanism may be incorporated, withoutlimiting the scope of the invention. When folding bicycle 100 is inriding configuration 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1A, first end 118,middle portion 120, and second end 124 of frame 102 extend along plane103 and axis 105. Moreover, primary pivot member 122 preferablycomprises pivot axis 123 substantially parallel to plane 103 of frame102 and substantially perpendicular to axis 105 of frame 102 to allowsecond end 124 of frame 102 to pivot in direction 1202 towards middleportion 120 or first end 118 of frame 102, about pivot axis 123,relative to frame 102, after primary pivot member 122 is released fromits locked position, thereby forming collapsed or storage configuration200 (FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Primary pivot member 122 preferably allows secondend 124 to pivot in directions 1202 and 1204, towards and away from,respectively, middle portion 120 and first end 118 of frame 102, asillustrated in FIG. 12 .

While hinge 110 has been described as being on the left side of fork 104and hinge 122 on the right side of frame 102, it should be appreciatedthat hinge 110 could be mounted on the right side of fork 104 and hinge122 on the left side of frame 102 so that wheels 106 and 108 are on theright and left sides, respectively, of frame 102 when folding bicycle100 is folded.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated and understood that each pivotmember disclosed and described throughout this specification may be anycommonly known and used component or hinge that is capable of performingthe desired pivoting action and achieving the desired result. As such,any known or used pivot member or hinge may be incorporated with foldingbicycle 100 for any of the pivot members described above, withoutlimiting the scope of the invention.

It should also be appreciated and understood that each component offolding bicycle 100 may constructed from any type of sturdy materialcommonly known or used in the art, such as, but not limited to, steel,titanium, and the like, without limiting the spirit of the invention.

It should also be understood that this invention is not limited to thedisclosed features and other similar method and system may be utilizedwithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment and alternative embodiments, which embodiments have been setforth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a completedisclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary andare not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumerationof all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore,shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will beapparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be madein such details without departing from the spirit and the principles ofthe invention. It should be appreciated that the invention is capable ofbeing embodied in other forms without departing from its essentialcharacteristics.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle comprising: a frame comprising a framemember and a fork, wherein the frame member extends longitudinally alonga first axis, from a first end to a second end, and wherein the forkextends longitudinally along a second axis and is pivotally connected tothe terminal end of the second end of the frame member; a rear wheelrotatably connected to the first end of the frame member; a front wheelrotatably connected to the fork; and a seat connected to the framemember; wherein the fork comprises a first side wall and a second sidewall; and wherein the frame does not include any frame elementsextending along an axis other than the first axis or the second axis. 2.The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the rear wheel and the frame member arelocated in a first plane.
 3. The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the rearwheel is connected to the frame member at a first height, wherein thefork is connected to the frame at a second height, and wherein thesecond height is higher than the first height.
 4. The bicycle of claim3, wherein the angle between the frame member and the fork isapproximately 90 degrees.
 5. The bicycle of claim 1, wherein the anglebetween the frame member and the fork is approximately 90 degrees. 6.The bicycle of claim 1, further comprising a footrest connected to theframe.
 7. The bicycle of claim 6, wherein the footrest comprises a firstelongated member and a flange.
 8. The bicycle of claim 7, wherein thefirst elongated member extends from a first end to a second end, whereinthe first end of the first elongated member is connected to the frame,and wherein the flange is connected to the second end of the firstelongated member.
 9. The bicycle of claim 8, wherein the flange extendssubstantially perpendicular to the first elongated member.
 10. A bicyclecomprising: a frame comprising a frame member and a fork, wherein theframe member extends longitudinally along a first axis, from a first endto a second end, and wherein the fork extends longitudinally along asecond axis and is connected to the terminal end of the second end ofthe frame member; a rear wheel rotatably connected to the first end ofthe frame member; a front wheel rotatably connected to the fork; a seatconnected to the frame member; and a footrest connected to the frame;wherein the fork comprises a first side wall and a second side wall;wherein the frame does not include any frame elements extending along anaxis other than the first axis or the second axis; and wherein footrestis pivotally connected to the frame.
 11. A bicycle comprising: a framecomprising a frame member and a fork, wherein the frame member extendslongitudinally along a first axis, from a first end to a second end, andwherein the fork extends longitudinally along a second axis and isconnected to the second end of the frame member; a rear wheel rotatablyconnected to the first end of the frame; a front wheel rotatablyconnected to the fork; and a seat connected to the frame and in directcontact with the frame; wherein the fork comprises a first side wall anda second side wall; wherein the frame does not include any frameelements extending along an axis other than the first axis or the secondaxis.
 12. The bicycle of claim 11, wherein the rear wheel is connectedto the frame member at a first height, wherein the fork is connected tothe frame member at a second height, and wherein the second height ishigher than the first height.
 13. The bicycle of claim 12, wherein theangle between the frame member and the fork is approximately 90 degrees.14. The bicycle of claim 11, wherein the angle between the frame memberand the fork is approximately 90 degrees.
 15. The bicycle of claim 11,further comprising a footrest connected to the frame.
 16. The bicycle ofclaim 15, wherein the footrest comprises a first elongated member and aflange.
 17. The bicycle of claim 16, wherein the first elongated memberextends from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end of thefirst elongated member is connected to the frame member, and wherein theflange is connected to the second end of the first elongated member. 18.The bicycle of claim 17, wherein the flange extends substantiallyperpendicular to the first elongated member.
 19. The bicycle of claim15, wherein the footrest is pivotally connected to the frame.